Nature-Based Cities: Biodiversity and Climate Resilience on Urban Development

“Nature-Based Cities: Biodiversity and Climate Resilience on Urban Development” sought to promote biodiversity conservation and climate action agendas in local policies in the city of Belém, Brazil. Belém, located in the Amazon Rainforest and one of the most important capital cities of Brazil, was nominated to host the world’s Climate Conference, COP30 in 2025. 

Under the project, ICLEI South America provided technical support to strengthen the city’s access to green funding and tools to develop participatory governance and evidence-based planning. The project also supported the municipality of Belém in participating in several regional and international events, enhancing the visibility of its climate agenda and fostering connections with key stakeholders and peer cities for collaboration. 

Key activities included: 

• Capacity building for municipal managers and technical staff on NbS and urban planning; 
• Development of Ecosystem Services Diagnosis and Climate Risk and Vulnerabilities Assessment; 
• Mentorship for the “Polígono dos Parques” project, included in the Transformative Actions Program (TAP) pipeline; and 
• Participation in regional and international events to strengthen Belém’s climate agenda, disseminate the project’s achievements, and connect to strategic partners. 

Project Achievements 

1. Informed Climate Planning Through Comprehensive Assessments: Produced technical assessments with illustrated maps and broad social participation, such as the Ecosystem Services Diagnosis and the Climate Risk and Vulnerabilities Assessment, which were used as main resources for the development of Belém’s Climate Action Plan; 

2. Improved Investment Readiness for Urban Nature-based Solutions: Structured  a robust NbS project in the city of Belém, improving its readiness and positioning to receive financial support; 

3. Increased Municipal Visibility and Strategic Partnerships: Supported Belém’s participation in over 10 regional and international events, enhancing visibility and fostering engagement with key networks and strategic partners; 

4. Strengthened Capacity:  Directly and indirectly engaged approximately 186 people, with 59% female participation. 

Project Status

Completed – 31 January 2025